Trooper killed in line of duty

Chehalis – Trooper Justin Schaffer, 28, a seven year veteran of the Washington State Patrol was killed in the line of duty when he was struck by a vehicle that was fleeing law enforcement today, Tuesday, March 24.

He is the 30th Washington State Patrol employee to die in the line of duty.

“We must pause and reflect on the character of each of the men and women we have lost over the years. Like Justin, they each served as one of the state’s guardians and each day of their work, they walked into unknown dangers with well-known courage," State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste said. “We will never forget him. Never…”

According to the patrol, Schaffer was attempting to deploy spike strips to bring the pursuit to a stop when the fleeing vehicle struck him on Interstate 5.

Schaffer was transported by aid to Centralia Providence hospital where he was pronounced dead, the patrol said.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; parents, Glenn and Sheila; brother, Brandon, and his K9 partner, Frankie. Justin’s father, Glenn Schaffer, is currently the Chehalis Police Chief.

Schaffer was born Jan. 30, 1992, in Glenwood Springs, Colo.

He graduated from Adna High School in Adna, Wash, then earned a criminal justice degree from Centralia College.

He began working for the Washington State Patrol on Nov. 12, 2013, assigned to the Property Management Division.

On Jan. 13, 2014, Schaffer started his training with the 27th Arming Class.

On Feb. 14, 2014, he continued his training with the 103rd Trooper Basic Training Class and was commissioned Sept. 16, 2014, assigned to Morton.

On Sept. 1, 2016, he was assigned as a certified drug recognition expert.

On Nov. 10, 2018, he completed K9 training and was a certified handler to his partner “Frankie.”

He transferred to Chehalis on Dec. 13, 2018.